Comments on: Highland Park Elementary’s neighbors learn of its challenges, offer help with solutions: ‘Tell us what we can do’http://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/
West Seattle news, 24/7Sun, 02 Aug 2015 20:33:40 +0200hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2By: Amyhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1463550
AmyMon, 25 Aug 2014 19:20:06 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1463550HP does not offer any options for students to be challenged that are at or above grade level. All of the resources go to struggling students. Why would a family with a student on grade level choose to stagnate their child's leraning by sending them to HP?
The EBD program is recklessly unsuported by the district. There are no teachers hired (as of August) for those classrooms, and both teachers left mid-year last year. This leads to a culture of instability and chaos with students running the halls, cussing, throwing things. It is unsafe. The district needs to own up to the social injustice of placing an unsupported EBD program in a school that is already struggling as it is and re-locate it.
Then they need to bring in more enrichment if they really want to turn around HP.HP does not offer any options for students to be challenged that are at or above grade level. All of the resources go to struggling students. Why would a family with a student on grade level choose to stagnate their child’s leraning by sending them to HP?

The EBD program is recklessly unsuported by the district. There are no teachers hired (as of August) for those classrooms, and both teachers left mid-year last year. This leads to a culture of instability and chaos with students running the halls, cussing, throwing things. It is unsafe. The district needs to own up to the social injustice of placing an unsupported EBD program in a school that is already struggling as it is and re-locate it.
Then they need to bring in more enrichment if they really want to turn around HP.

]]>By: alkimomhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1458527
alkimomWed, 20 Aug 2014 19:44:59 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1458527Is there a drop off spot to donate school supplies for the Highland Park kids? Are they needed at all? I'm sure that a few of us would be happy to pick up supplies for the Highland Park kids while we're doing the annual school supply run for our kids.
ThanksIs there a drop off spot to donate school supplies for the Highland Park kids? Are they needed at all? I’m sure that a few of us would be happy to pick up supplies for the Highland Park kids while we’re doing the annual school supply run for our kids.

Thanks

]]>By: mv23http://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1457714
mv23Wed, 20 Aug 2014 05:56:41 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1457714Thank you to all the courageous parents who send their kids to HP. As you can see, there is a tremendous amount of fear around this topic. You will never feel more vulnerable than being a parent, and we ALL want our kids to be safe and succeed. This is not a social experiment, it is a recognition that we are more than ourselves or our family - we are inextricably a part of our community.Thank you to all the courageous parents who send their kids to HP. As you can see, there is a tremendous amount of fear around this topic. You will never feel more vulnerable than being a parent, and we ALL want our kids to be safe and succeed. This is not a social experiment, it is a recognition that we are more than ourselves or our family – we are inextricably a part of our community.
]]>By: hp momhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1457139
hp momTue, 19 Aug 2014 18:04:21 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1457139As a HP resident and a parent who sends her kids elsewhere I'd just like to point out that the creation of neighborhood schools and the lack of available busing to get away from failing schools has only further segregated poorer kids and families. Segregation by income is just as wrong as segregation by race.. The district needs to change the policies that only exasperated the income inequality issues at HPE. If not, parents with the financial means to make other choices will just continue to do so.As a HP resident and a parent who sends her kids elsewhere I’d just like to point out that the creation of neighborhood schools and the lack of available busing to get away from failing schools has only further segregated poorer kids and families. Segregation by income is just as wrong as segregation by race.. The district needs to change the policies that only exasperated the income inequality issues at HPE. If not, parents with the financial means to make other choices will just continue to do so.
]]>By: cs in hphttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1457130
cs in hpTue, 19 Aug 2014 17:51:51 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1457130http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementary-discussion.html#more
There's another discussion going on that forum about this, using Tracy's article as a springboard.http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementary-discussion.html#more

There’s another discussion going on that forum about this, using Tracy’s article as a springboard.

]]>By: Ceceliahttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1457126
CeceliaTue, 19 Aug 2014 17:49:25 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1457126The main reason I remember it so well is I have child starting K this fall and we were looking at dual language programs as part of search. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have noticed it at all.The main reason I remember it so well is I have child starting K this fall and we were looking at dual language programs as part of search. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have noticed it at all.
]]>By: WSBhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456748
WSBTue, 19 Aug 2014 07:49:04 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456748You have a much better memory than me, Cecelia. Here's that story from 11 months ago:
.
http://westseattleblog.com/2013/09/seattle-public-schools-managers-listen-to-west-seattle-boundary-change-concerns-promising-this-is-not-a-done-deal/
.
I haven't heard a word about it since, either. So the question is whether that was in the final list of program changes ...You have a much better memory than me, Cecelia. Here’s that story from 11 months ago:
.http://westseattleblog.com/2013/09/seattle-public-schools-managers-listen-to-west-seattle-boundary-change-concerns-promising-this-is-not-a-done-deal/
.
I haven’t heard a word about it since, either. So the question is whether that was in the final list of program changes …
]]>By: Ceceliahttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456713
CeceliaTue, 19 Aug 2014 07:02:46 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456713I remember hearing something last year that Highland Park Elementary was going to become and international school with spanish as the language. It was in a WSB article about the boundary changes I believe. However when I went to look up further information on it there wasn't anything on the SPS website or anywhere else. Is this something that SPS proposed but didn't follow through with? Is it set so far in the future that there just isn't anything further on it?I remember hearing something last year that Highland Park Elementary was going to become and international school with spanish as the language. It was in a WSB article about the boundary changes I believe. However when I went to look up further information on it there wasn’t anything on the SPS website or anywhere else. Is this something that SPS proposed but didn’t follow through with? Is it set so far in the future that there just isn’t anything further on it?
]]>By: agreedhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456686
agreedTue, 19 Aug 2014 06:15:26 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456686Since Lynn brought it up, I will agree with her. The principal may change everything.
However. And this is a Big However:
Wedgewood area students, many if not most have parents who are UW academics - medical, research scientists, arts and technology people, as well as every other intellectual endeavor known to humanity - is represented in the families of NE Seattle. I know because I lived there and rented their homes in their neighborhood before I moved to Highland Park.
The new principal did *not* have as tough a house as HPE will be. Doesn't mean he didn't work hard or achievements did not matter. Not at all, given his personal family issues especially.
But, neighbors! Please, be informed and be aware of that distinction because it is fundamental to grasping the calculus here.
This doesn't mean I don't wish the Principal the best or that I don't have faith he and staff with resources and guidance can get the ducks in a row. It doesn't mean he failed or was not a good principal before. What it means is Highland Park is not the same game.
Help him view anew possibilities. He is going to need your courage and strength to negotiate this and I see some of you already are...be fierce with truth and keep it real and believe in that better day.Since Lynn brought it up, I will agree with her. The principal may change everything.

However. And this is a Big However:

Wedgewood area students, many if not most have parents who are UW academics – medical, research scientists, arts and technology people, as well as every other intellectual endeavor known to humanity – is represented in the families of NE Seattle. I know because I lived there and rented their homes in their neighborhood before I moved to Highland Park.

The new principal did *not* have as tough a house as HPE will be. Doesn’t mean he didn’t work hard or achievements did not matter. Not at all, given his personal family issues especially.

But, neighbors! Please, be informed and be aware of that distinction because it is fundamental to grasping the calculus here.

This doesn’t mean I don’t wish the Principal the best or that I don’t have faith he and staff with resources and guidance can get the ducks in a row. It doesn’t mean he failed or was not a good principal before. What it means is Highland Park is not the same game.

Help him view anew possibilities. He is going to need your courage and strength to negotiate this and I see some of you already are…be fierce with truth and keep it real and believe in that better day.

]]>By: M in HPhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456489
M in HPTue, 19 Aug 2014 01:17:55 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456489I would like to thank Tracy for giving such detailed coverage of this story and to Carolyn for organizing the event. I am also in complete agreement with CS in HP. It seems like it is the failure of the district to provide good leadership. In addition there seems to also be the failure of the district to provide needed resources to this school. In particular, although HPE has two populations that require extra help. The student class size seemed toward the higher end of the spectrum rather than the lower.
I wish time had not run out so I could get clarification on how information is communicated to families in which English is not spoken in the home. It did not appear that the district has an effective means of doing this.
I am also hoping that the district might follow up with an event at the school.
Lastly, I have to comment on the negative comments towards HP. I choose to live in this neighborhood because it has the best neighbors. When times get tough my neighbors do not scatter they step up and help each other.
And to all my HP neighbors, Why not us....I would like to thank Tracy for giving such detailed coverage of this story and to Carolyn for organizing the event. I am also in complete agreement with CS in HP. It seems like it is the failure of the district to provide good leadership. In addition there seems to also be the failure of the district to provide needed resources to this school. In particular, although HPE has two populations that require extra help. The student class size seemed toward the higher end of the spectrum rather than the lower.

I wish time had not run out so I could get clarification on how information is communicated to families in which English is not spoken in the home. It did not appear that the district has an effective means of doing this.

I am also hoping that the district might follow up with an event at the school.

Lastly, I have to comment on the negative comments towards HP. I choose to live in this neighborhood because it has the best neighbors. When times get tough my neighbors do not scatter they step up and help each other.

And to all my HP neighbors, Why not us….

]]>By: Lynnhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456419
LynnTue, 19 Aug 2014 00:04:58 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456419Here's a link to a <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/enrollment%20planning/Section%2011%20Enrollment%20Report%202013.pdf?sessionid=4ecb3371068caf4dda8f2574e27109f1" rel="nofollow">report</a> on demographics by school. Highland Park data can be found on page 25.
73% of the students enrolled at HP last year qualified for Free or Reduced Price Lunch. That statistic was 65% for all of the K-5 students who live in the HP attendance area and are enrolled in public schools.
Another interesting <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/enrollment%20planning/Section%204%20Enrollment%20Report%202013.pdf?sessionid=4ecb3371068caf4dda8f2574e27109f1" rel="nofollow">report</a> tells us where students in the HP area attend school. (See page 3.)
There were 494 K-5 students in the attendance area last year. The top five schools attended were:
278 Highland Park
62 Roxhill
32 Pathfinder
26 STEM
23 Arbor Heights
Just some data I thought might be helpful in this discussion.
I do wonder how cs in hp determined that Mr. Cronas is one of the best principals in the district. Wedgwood's population (10% FRL eligible) would have had high test scores with or without him. The change he made there was dismantling their (popular) Spectrum program.Here’s a link to a report on demographics by school. Highland Park data can be found on page 25.

73% of the students enrolled at HP last year qualified for Free or Reduced Price Lunch. That statistic was 65% for all of the K-5 students who live in the HP attendance area and are enrolled in public schools.

Another interesting report tells us where students in the HP area attend school. (See page 3.)

There were 494 K-5 students in the attendance area last year. The top five schools attended were:

278 Highland Park
62 Roxhill
32 Pathfinder
26 STEM
23 Arbor Heights

Just some data I thought might be helpful in this discussion.

I do wonder how cs in hp determined that Mr. Cronas is one of the best principals in the district. Wedgwood’s population (10% FRL eligible) would have had high test scores with or without him. The change he made there was dismantling their (popular) Spectrum program.

]]>By: Thinking Parenthttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456383
Thinking ParentMon, 18 Aug 2014 23:27:48 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456383What Rich said. Jeff too. Get involved, donate, volunteer if you believe you can help HPE but don't send your kids there until it actually improves.What Rich said. Jeff too. Get involved, donate, volunteer if you believe you can help HPE but don’t send your kids there until it actually improves.
]]>By: LDhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456357
LDMon, 18 Aug 2014 22:53:11 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456357There have been many involved parents at HPE over the years. Many wonderful people helping out in different ways.
But just because parents aren't volunteering, or even if they don't get their kids there in time, doesn't mean they don't care about their children's education. There may be many circumstances in their lives that more affluent or nuclear families would not understand.
I said it at the meeting and I will say it again. The principal that the district assigns sets the tone at a school. They make the final hiring decisions, they lead whatever sort of discipline the school may or may not use, they set the tone of respect between students and staff. I have seen a strong school fall apart because the district chose the wrong leader. Bullying did happen at HPE but there were also huge anti-bullying programs put into place. Bullying happens everywhere, but sometimes, if the principal doesn't have a grip (the respect of the kids, etc.) bullying can go unchecked. The thing to remember too folks, is that HPE has more diversity than most other West Seattle elementary schools, and so to teach and lead at a school like that, one has to be aware of how different cultures work; of how to engage families from different cultures who have different ideas about education, about family, about communication, expectations. Finally, I want to say that if, as a parent, you are unhappy with your principal or teachers, SPEAK UP to the Superintendent, the school board, the paper, the blog. Make your concerns known. The squeaky wheel will get the grease. Demand excellence for your children. Not too long ago, that was the district's mantra...Excellence for all. Find out why they don't move the EBD program somewhere else, find out why there isn't a gifted program at HPE (and believe me, there are gifted kids there) find out why they moved him or her to your school, find out why well-respected staff have left.
Stay on top of what's going on and demand only the best for all of your children.There have been many involved parents at HPE over the years. Many wonderful people helping out in different ways.
But just because parents aren’t volunteering, or even if they don’t get their kids there in time, doesn’t mean they don’t care about their children’s education. There may be many circumstances in their lives that more affluent or nuclear families would not understand.
I said it at the meeting and I will say it again. The principal that the district assigns sets the tone at a school. They make the final hiring decisions, they lead whatever sort of discipline the school may or may not use, they set the tone of respect between students and staff. I have seen a strong school fall apart because the district chose the wrong leader. Bullying did happen at HPE but there were also huge anti-bullying programs put into place. Bullying happens everywhere, but sometimes, if the principal doesn’t have a grip (the respect of the kids, etc.) bullying can go unchecked. The thing to remember too folks, is that HPE has more diversity than most other West Seattle elementary schools, and so to teach and lead at a school like that, one has to be aware of how different cultures work; of how to engage families from different cultures who have different ideas about education, about family, about communication, expectations. Finally, I want to say that if, as a parent, you are unhappy with your principal or teachers, SPEAK UP to the Superintendent, the school board, the paper, the blog. Make your concerns known. The squeaky wheel will get the grease. Demand excellence for your children. Not too long ago, that was the district’s mantra…Excellence for all. Find out why they don’t move the EBD program somewhere else, find out why there isn’t a gifted program at HPE (and believe me, there are gifted kids there) find out why they moved him or her to your school, find out why well-respected staff have left.
Stay on top of what’s going on and demand only the best for all of your children.
]]>By: Rich Crenshawhttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456346
Rich CrenshawMon, 18 Aug 2014 22:39:41 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456346I think we would all like to help our local schools get better, and I sincerely hope the new administration is effective at HPES. Sending more kids to a failing school is not going to help. Making teachers and administrators responsible for those failing schools would help (again, hoping the new administration can turn around HPES). Giving parents choices on where to send their children with vouchers (aka making schools compete) would help as well - if you don't reward failure, you tend to get less of it.I think we would all like to help our local schools get better, and I sincerely hope the new administration is effective at HPES. Sending more kids to a failing school is not going to help. Making teachers and administrators responsible for those failing schools would help (again, hoping the new administration can turn around HPES). Giving parents choices on where to send their children with vouchers (aka making schools compete) would help as well – if you don’t reward failure, you tend to get less of it.
]]>By: cs in hphttp://westseattleblog.com/2014/08/highland-park-elementarys-neighbors-learn-of-its-challenges-offer-help-with-solutions-tell-us-what-we-can-do/#comment-1456337
cs in hpMon, 18 Aug 2014 22:30:16 +0000http://westseattleblog.com/?p=282348#comment-1456337The failings of this school seem to be the result of the failure of the District to ensure good leadership for the school, and not the fault of the student population, the involvement of the parents, or the surrounding community- as proposed in the comments here. Ironically, the principal is going to STEM, and HPE is getting one of the best principals in the district. I feel confident that Principal Cronas has the skills to make this a healthy learning environment for all students, and that the District understands the needs of the school at this point and is prepared to support it properly. As for the comments here- people that do not live in Highland Park just don't get what an amazing community we have, and could never imagine that we love it here- it's not worth arguing about.The failings of this school seem to be the result of the failure of the District to ensure good leadership for the school, and not the fault of the student population, the involvement of the parents, or the surrounding community- as proposed in the comments here. Ironically, the principal is going to STEM, and HPE is getting one of the best principals in the district. I feel confident that Principal Cronas has the skills to make this a healthy learning environment for all students, and that the District understands the needs of the school at this point and is prepared to support it properly. As for the comments here- people that do not live in Highland Park just don’t get what an amazing community we have, and could never imagine that we love it here- it’s not worth arguing about.
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